Valdosta State Joins National Sustainability Movement

VALDOSTA --Valdosta State University President Patrick J.
Schloss signed the American College and University Presidents
Climate Commitment April 24, and joined more than 600 higher
education institutions across the country that are striving to
become more climate neutral. The document formally commits the
university to develop a plan that eliminates greenhouse gas
emission over time and moves the campus towards climate
neutrality.

“This is a significant step in Valdosta State’s efforts towards
sustainability,” Schloss said. “Sustainability is an issue of great
importance to our students, faculty, staff and community. In the
past several months we have made important advancements and look
forward to accomplishing the objectives outlined in the
commitment.”

In 2008, Schloss established the Climate Council to review the
requirements of the Presidents Climate Commitment. Council members
immediately established an institutional structure to monitor the
university’s sustainability plan, created an action plan to achieve
climate neutrality, started an emissions inventory, initiated steps
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus, and developed a plan
to integrate sustainability into the academic curriculum.

In a few short months, the Council has made advancements in the
university’s existing recycling program, installed solar panels and
initiated other facility conservation efforts, and developed the
requirements for a minor in environmental studies. A significant
milestone includes quantifying the carbon footprint for electrical
and gas usage and continued work in quantifying the carbon
footprint for transportation.

Presidents signing the Commitment agree to provide leadership at
their institution and take the following goals and actions steps in
pursuit of climate neutrality:
• Initiate the development of a comprehensive plan to achieve
climate neutrality, including completing a comprehensive inventory
of all greenhouse gas emissions (electricity, heating, commuting,
and air travel) within a year of signing the Commitment;
• Begin to initiate tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gases
while a more comprehensive long-term plan is being developed,
and
• Ensure that the action plans, inventory, and periodic progress
reports are easily accessible to the public and submitted to the
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher
Education (AASHE) for posting and dissemination.